Hon Eugenie Sage
Associate Minister for the Environment
13 July 2018 MEDIA STATEMENT
Standards and clear information needed on compostable and biodegradable plastics
New information out today confirms work is needed to ensure there are good standards and clear information for consumers
about biodegradable and compostable plastics, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton published an online guide on biodegradable and
compostable plastics yesterday.
“It’s very hard for families and businesses to make choices that are good for the environment when some products don’t
do what they say,” Eugenie Sage said.
“This guide is a valuable resource for all consumers and fits well with wider work I am leading.
“Greenwashing is a real problem for people trying to do the right thing and I want standards implemented for
biodegradable and compostable plastics and the Ministry for the Environment is looking at options for a labelling or
certification regime.
“The Ministry for the Environment is also already working with industry leaders to develop a voluntary minimum standard
for biodegradable and compostable plastics.
“Mr Upton has also called for a review of end-of-life infrastructure for biodegradable and compostable plastics. We are
already reviewing onshore collection and processing services as part of our response to the current pressures on New
Zealand’s waste and recycling sector.
“We need to design waste out of our economic system and create and buy products designed to have a long life, which can
be easily disassembled so they can reused, recycled or composted.
“Ensuring that New Zealanders and businesses have the information they need to make informed choices for the environment
is an important part of this,” Eugenie Sage said.
Further information https://www.pce.parliament.nz/our-work/news-insights/environment-commissioner-questions-merit-of-biodegradable-plastics
ends